Growing Pains

"Growing pains", or leg aches, are a common occurrence among children and adolescence between the ages of 3 to 12 years old. Pain tends to be centralized in the legs and can affect one or both legs at the same time. Growing pains most often occur in the evenings and at night. The pain could be so severe that the child wakes up out of sleep. The cause of the pain is unknown by it is likely due to growth factors such as muscle fatigue, overexertion, chemical imbalances and genetic factors. Some symptoms of "growing pains" include:

• Pain occurs at night
• Peaks around ages 4 to 5 but can occur up until age 12
• Normal examination – no redness, tenderness, swelling or limitation of movement
• Treatment is usually not needed
• Occurs in 15-30% of children
• Tends to occur in the popliteal fossa, which is the depression at the back of the knee

Parents can help relieve the pain of the child by applying a heating pad, massaging the lower extremities, having the child stretch prior to bed, and warm soothing baths.

Many children see a Podiatrist for their aching legs since the pain could be caused by other conditions and growing pains should be ruled out prior to a diagnosis. Refer to the following list for symptoms of other conditions not associated with growing pains.

• Swelling or redness around the joint
• Limping
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Chronic pain
• Pain during the day
• Normal activities are interfered

Image by Anders. (2008). Waiting feet. Flickr.